Portugal vs USA: World Cup head-to-head record
Last updated
In World Cup history, the USA hold the edge over Portugal with one win and one draw from two meetings — Portugal have never beaten the United States at a FIFA World Cup. The all-time record (1930–2022) reads: played 2, Portugal wins 0, draws 1, USA wins 1.
Both encounters were group-stage thrillers: a stunning USA upset in 2002 and a late Portuguese comeback to snatch a draw in 2014. It remains one of the more surprising head-to-head records given Portugal's status as a perennial contender.
All-Time World Cup Head-to-Head Table
Here is every World Cup match played between Portugal and the USA:
| Year | Stage | Match | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Group Stage (Matchday 1) | USA vs Portugal | 3–2 |
| 2014 | Group Stage (Matchday 11) | USA vs Portugal | 2–2 |
Match-by-Match Breakdown
The first meeting came at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, where the USA produced one of the tournament's great upsets, beating a star-studded Portugal side 3–2 on Matchday 1. Portugal were among the pre-tournament favourites, making the defeat all the more remarkable and setting a defining tone for that USA squad's run to the quarter-finals.
Twelve years later at Brazil 2014, the teams met again in a pulsating group-stage encounter that finished 2–2. Portugal, trailing late, salvaged a draw in dramatic fashion — a result that ultimately proved costly for both sides' qualification hopes. The two games combined have produced 12 goals across just 180 minutes of World Cup football, underlining the attacking quality both nations bring. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, fans can track live scores and the full schedule at Bola 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Has Portugal ever beaten the USA at the World Cup?
No. In two World Cup meetings — 2002 and 2014 — Portugal have failed to beat the USA. The record stands at USA 1 win, 1 draw, Portugal 0 wins.
When did the USA beat Portugal at the World Cup?
The USA defeated Portugal 3–2 in the 2002 World Cup group stage, played in South Korea/Japan. It is the only victory either side has recorded over the other in World Cup competition.
What was the score the last time Portugal and the USA met at the World Cup?
The most recent World Cup meeting ended 2–2, played at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil during the group stage (Matchday 11). Portugal rescued the draw late in the game.